Sustaining the clinical in clinical translational research

As we strive to accelerate the application of discoveries to the practice of medicine, we must muster a clinical workforce that can effectively participate. Essential to this process is the recognition that each type of research (basic, clinical, and translational) must be pursued with single-minded intensity. By creating defined tracks within clinical departments, it would be possible to allow physicians to focus on clinical/translational research without the added responsibility of providing routine medical care. All would also agree that the care of patients with cancer deserves the undivided attention of masterful clinicians who are not tormented by a system less likely to reward them for this calling. © 2006 American Association for Cancer Research.